Monolithic Power Systems Inc. EVM3690-20A-BF-00A

Overview

EVM3690-20A-BF-00A from Monolithic Power Systems is a dedicated evaluation board for the MPM3690-20A dual-output synchronous step-down power module, supporting 3.2V–16V input and delivering up to 13A per channel at 1.2V output with 92.45% full-load efficiency at 12V_IN/1.2V_OUT. It implements constant-on-time (COT) control, offers adjustable 400kHz–1MHz switching frequency via external resistors, and features dual independent enable, power-good, and voltage-sense terminals for real-world system validation.

For engineers reviewing the EVM3690-20A-BF-00A datasheet, EVM3690-20A-BF-00A pinout, EVM3690-20A-BF-00A application, or EVM3690-20A-BF-00A equivalent, this board enables rapid characterization of dual-rail high-current DC/DC conversion in FPGA, ASIC, and multi-core processor power delivery systems - including transient response, thermal performance, and layout-sensitive ripple measurement under load steps up to 10A/μs.

Technical Context

The EVM3690-20A-BF-00A is built around the MPM3690-20A BGA module (16mm × 16mm × 5.18mm), which integrates dual 13A buck regulators with internal MOSFETs, compensation, and COT control architecture. Each channel supports independent mode selection (forced PWM or auto PFM), programmable soft-start via SS1/SS2 pins, and precise current sensing using 20mΩ sense resistors (R20/R22/R24/R25).

Board-level design includes dual 22μF ceramic input capacitors per channel, 100μF polymer bulk input caps (C19/C20), and 47μF ceramic output capacitors (C11/C14/C15/C17/C24/C27/C28/C30) placed adjacent to each VOUT pad. The fSET1/fSET2 resistors (R3/R9 = 60.4kΩ) set default 500kHz operation, and PMODE/MODE jumpers allow configuration of power sequencing and light-load behavior.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVM3690-20A-BF-00A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for FPGA power delivery, multi-rail server SoC evaluation, and high-density telecom board development requiring stable component supply, pre-validated thermal layout, and production-relevant measurement access points.

Supply support for EVM3690-20A-BF-00A includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Monolithic Power Systems (MPS) is a fabless semiconductor company specializing in high-performance power management ICs and modules, headquartered in Kirkland, WA, with global design and support operations.

The EVM3690-20A-BF-00A belongs to MPS's evaluation board product line for its integrated power modules, designed specifically to accelerate adoption of high-current, low-voltage DC/DC solutions in space-constrained, thermally demanding applications such as AI accelerators and 5G baseband units.

FAQ

What input voltage range does the EVM3690-20A-BF-00A support?

The board accepts 3.2V to 16V input. When input drops below 4V, an external 3.3V supply must be connected to the VCC pin to power internal circuitry - this is required for proper startup and regulation stability, as confirmed in the quick start guide and performance summary notes.

Can both output channels operate simultaneously at full 13A load?

Yes - thermal test data shows the board sustains IOUT1 = IOUT2 = 13A with no forced airflow at ambient 28°C, achieving a case temperature of 57.6°C. This validates simultaneous full-load operation under realistic passive-cooling conditions, as documented in the EVB test results section.

How is switching frequency adjusted on this evaluation board?

Frequency is set by resistors R3 (fSET1) and R9 (fSET2), each 60.4kΩ, yielding 500kHz default. To change frequency, replace either resistor with a value between 30.1kΩ (1MHz) and 75kΩ (400kHz), per the MPM3690-20A datasheet's fSET vs. R relationship - no firmware or register writes are needed.

Does the board include voltage-sense and power-good monitoring?

Yes - it provides dedicated VOSENSE/VOGNDSEN terminals per channel for Kelvin-connected output voltage feedback, plus PG1 and PG2 open-drain outputs that assert high after soft-start completion and valid regulation, enabling system-level power sequencing and fault detection without additional circuitry.

Are the input and output capacitors optimized for production use?

The BOM uses production-grade components: 100μF OSCON polymer caps (C19/C20) for low-ESR bulk input filtering, and eight 47μF 0805 ceramics (C11/C14/C15/C17/C24/C27/C28/C30) placed directly at each VOUT pad - matching recommended layout practices in the MPM3690-20A datasheet for minimal loop inductance and ripple suppression.

Is dynamic load testing supported out-of-the-box?

No - the board includes optional dynamic load circuit footprints (Trans_IO1/Trans_CTRL1/Trans_IO2/Trans_CTRL2) but no populated components. Users must add external dynamic load hardware or use programmable electronic loads with fast slew-rate capability to replicate the 10A/μs transient waveforms shown in the test results.